Cardiac Stress Test

A cardiac stress test may be performed in combination with an exercise stress test, in which you walk on a treadmill. If you can’t exercise, you’ll receive a drug through an IV that mimics exercise by increasing blood flow to your heart. A nuclear stress test can take 3-5 hours, depending on the radioactive material and imaging tests used.

Exercise Test Only (No IV)

For an exercise stress test, you will walk on a treadmill. You’ll start slowly, and the exercise gets more difficult as the test progresses. You can use the railing on the treadmill for balance. Don’t hang on tightly, as this may skew the results. You’ll continue exercising until either your heart rate has reached a set target, 

A cardiologist will be present throughout the procedure. He or she will discuss your safe limits for exercise. You can stop the test anytime you’re too uncomfortable to continue.

Nuclear Stress Test 

Before you start the test, a technician inserts an intravenous (IV) line into your arm and injects a radioactive dye (radiopharmaceutical or radiotracer).

The radiotracer may feel cold when it’s first injected into your arm. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes for your heart cells to absorb the radiotracer. Then, you’ll lie still on a table and have your first set of images taken while your heart is at rest.

A technician will place sticky patches (electrodes) on your chest, legs and arms. Some areas may need to be shaved to help them stick. The electrodes have wires connected to an electrocardiogram machine, which records the electrical signals that trigger your heartbeats. A cuff on your arm checks your blood pressure during the test. You may be asked to breathe into a tube during the test to show how well you’re able to breathe during exercise.

If you can’t exercise, your doctor will inject the drug into your IV line that mimics exercise by increasing blood flow to your heart. Possible side effects may be similar to those caused by exercise, such as flushing or shortness of breath. You might get a headache.

For an exercise stress test, you will walk on a treadmill. You’ll start slowly, and the exercise gets more difficult as the test progresses. You can use the railing on the treadmill for balance. Don’t hang on tightly, as this may skew the results.

A cardiologist will be present throughout the procedure. He or she will discuss your safe limits for exercise. You’ll continue exercising until either your heart rate has reached a set target You can stop the test anytime you’re too uncomfortable to continue.

You’ll have another injection of radiotracer when your heart rate peaks. About 30 to 45 minutes later, you’ll lie still on a table and have a second set of images made of your heart muscle. The dye shows any areas of your heart receiving inadequate blood flow.

Our doctors will use the two sets of images to compare the blood flow through your heart while you’re at rest and under stress.

When the test is complete, you may return to normal activities unless our doctor tells you otherwise. The radioactive material will naturally leave your body in your urine or stool. Drink plenty of water to help flush the dye out of your system.

One of our representatives will call you prior to your appointment to provide a detailed explanation on how to prepare for your exam.

• You may be asked not to eat, drink or smoke for a period of time before a nuclear stress test. You may need to avoid caffeine the day before and the day of the test.
• If you use an inhaler for asthma or other breathing problems, bring it to the test. Make sure to notify our health care team monitoring your stress test if you use an inhaler.
• Wear or bring comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Don’t apply oil, lotion or cream to your skin on the day of your nuclear stress test.Exam may take 3-5 hours to complete. Please plan accordingly.

• Treadmill Stress Test (Plain, Exercise Only)
• Nuclear Stress Test
• Pharmacological Stress Test
  • Lexi Scan
  • Dobutamine
  • Persantine
  • Adenosine
• Stress ECHO